Home, Design & Build Summit: A Step Forward for Accessibility

In 2018, accessibility is still an issue in the UK, and in fact the world. Approximately one in five people have a disability in the UK (DLF.com), meaning that nearly 20% of the population are affected daily by the little accessible solutions presented by our modern society. Lack of inclusion in the built environment comes as a challenge to many, therefore Europe’s leading disability event has decided to address this issue in a bid for positive change. This year, Naidex will be introducing the Home, Design & Build Summit - an area of the show dedicated to the exploration of accessibility in the built environment. Industry leading experts will be delivering seminars looking at today’s situation and finding the solutions of tomorrow. Here is a look at some of the topics that will be covered at this year’s Naidex…

[edit] Prioritising Accessibility

This year, the British Standards Institution (BSI) have revised the BS8300: “Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment” - which is a series of standards to make buildings more inclusive. Access consultant and Naidex speaker Jane Simpson has noted that by doing so, the government have taken a step forward and put an emphasis on making every built project accessible and inclusive from its initial stages. Jane will explain the major changes to the existing BS8300 and the new Inclusive External Environments British Standard in her seminar at the show.

As part of the push towards increased accessibility in our society, the government have reinvigorated the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) which, according to Paul Smith, founder of Foundations, is a grant designed to help disabled people and families with disabled children alter their home to allow access, permit use of all the normal facilities and, where appropriate to enable a disabled person to provide care for others. People with a disability that are eligible can receive up to £30,000 to improve the accessibility in their homes, something that will be discussed by Paul himself at Naidex. By attending these seminars, you can find out how to make a house into your inclusive home.

[edit] A New Wave in Architecture

Accessible and inclusive designs have typically been associated with clinical environments, which stem from solely functional architecture. This is about to change drastically as a new wave of inclusive architects have emerged to change the way people perceive accessibility. Inclusive Home founder Vaila Morrison - who will be speaking at the event - believes that accessible designs need to be promoted more within home design media, so that both people with and without disabilities can understand the need for inclusive homes.

Architects and designers can now look to combine functional, safe and inspirational concepts to make homes more attractive to potential buyers, and therefore increase both well-being and property value, as will be explained by Elaine Hollerhead the founder of DESIGNATE in her seminar at Naidex. The future of accessibility has never looked so stylish!

[edit] A Helping Hand from Technology

The incorporation of technology in the built environment has been one of the main trends of the past few years. We have seen various devices take an essential role in our everyday lives and making themselves completely indispensable. Smarthomes are becoming more prominent and are a great tool of independence for people with disabilities. Macro Level Smarthome’s founder James Kinsman will explore in his seminar the advances in commercial smarthome technology, and the way on which it can be used to assist in gaining independence by integrating standard consumer equipment as opposed to requiring expensive custom designed “accessible” hardware.

Technology incorporated in your home can make everything easier, from systems that help locking and unlocking doors from anywhere in the world, to communicating via telecare devices with loved ones. In addition to this, its benefits also span to the healthcare sector. Sensory Guru is a virtual and augmented reality brand renowned for creating technology that is redefining the boundary between the virtual and physical worlds. It’s CEO Lee Blemings that will be uncovering the advantages that these emerging technologies can have for people with ASD and dementia, living in residential settings.

[edit] Naidex 2018

Accessibility is just one of many themes that will be explored at this year’s exhibition. Other key topics include employability, travel, the ageing population and personal injury - to name a few! Naidex provides the opportunity to learn about the latest trends in the world of disability and independent living. Speak with the experts, see the latest products and services and meet hundreds of like-minded people over two incredible days. More than just an event, Naidex is bridging the gap towards inclusion.

Register for your free tickets at http://bit.ly/2EFErOv.

By Naidex